THE OPPORTUNITY
Job Description
ANALYTICAL FOOD LABORATORIES, A TENTAMUS COMPANY, IS ON THE HUNT FOR A MICROBIOLOGIST II TO JOIN OUR GRAND PRAIRIE, TX TEAM!
Join our dynamic team as a Microbiologist II, supporting the daily operation and maintenance of our USP Microbiology Laboratory. You will independently perform assigned microbiological testing and quality-control procedures, manage the sample-to-result workflow, and produce accurate, defensible, and traceable results in accordance with approved methods, laboratory SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements. You will also support environmental testing, result escalation, client notifications, equipment maintenance, and proficiency-testing activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sample Processing and Test Workflow: Understand and perform the complete flow of samples through the USP microbiology laboratory, including sample verification, review of client test requests and routing sheets, plate labeling, sample weighing, sample setup, serial dilutions, media and reagent selection, plate pouring, incubation, transfer of enrichment media, result reading, confirmation testing, microbial identification, retention and disposal of samples and plates, daily quality-control samples, and pathogen platform testing.
Testing & Quality Control: Independently perform assigned USP testing and quality-control procedures, including applicable USP methods <60>, <61>, <62>, <2021>, <2021>, <1226>, <1227> and <51>, and other microbiological analyses. Follow approved methods exactly, ensure that required controls are in place, and produce accurate, defensible, and traceable results within timeframes consistent with client requirements.
Result Review and Escalation: Recognize typical, unusual, or potentially unacceptable results based on client specifications, historical testing information, method requirements, and laboratory expectations. Promptly notify the Lead Microbiologist or Microbiology Manager of problems involving equipment, media, controls, test methods, or results. Actively participate in client notification activities as directed.
Compliance: Follow all Analytical Food Laboratories policies, procedures, SOPs, ethics requirements, and conflict-of-interest requirements. Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, NELAC, 21 CFR Part 58 Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements, GDP, GMP, and other applicable accrediting or certifying agency requirements.
Laboratory Equipment: Operate laboratory equipment correctly and for its intended purpose, including pipetting devices, top-loading balances, thermometers, electronic temperature-recording devices, stomachers, incubators, darkfield colony counters, tally counters, microscopes, BioLog systems, timers, autoclaves, pathogen testing platforms, and other equipment relevant to assigned testing. Report accidents, equipment malfunctions, and abnormal conditions to designated laboratory management personnel. (GLP)
Record Keeping and Data Integrity: Maintain accurate, complete, legible, and traceable records for all laboratory activities. Record data in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures, make corrections properly when necessary, and ensure that records are attributable to the technician who performed the work. (GDP)
Environmental and Laboratory Quality Testing: Perform environmental and laboratory quality activities, including air plates, post-pouring sanitation checks on media, sanitation swabbing, hand swabs, positive controls, electronic temperature logs, daily laboratory opening and closing records, deionized-water sampling and testing, and other assigned quality-control activities.
Training, Proficiency Testing, and Laboratory Maintenance: Participate in annual GMP training, where applicable, as well as internal and external proficiency testing. Actively participate in laboratory cleaning, equipment maintenance, and activities required to maintain a safe, orderly, and compliant microbiology laboratory.
Other duties as assigned: Assist in other areas of the microbiology laboratory and perform other duties as assigned by management.
SCHEDULE AND POSITION TYPE
This is a full-time, onsite position, at Analytical Food Laboratories - 860 Greenview Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050, and the schedule is Tuesday - Saturday - 12:00PM – 9:00PM with an up to 1hour unpaid lunch; OT eligible.
QUALIFICATIONS
Our ideal candidate will be authorized to work in the United States without restriction or sponsorship, hold a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science or a related science field preferred; Possess experience with microbiological testing methods, laboratory equipment, and strong understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Other qualifications include:
1 – 2 years of hands-on experience with microbiological testing in GMP environment is preferred.
Experience in a Microbiologist position is a plus!
Possess strong attention to detail
Ability to memorize different testing types, Media, Dilutions, SOPs, etc.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stand for long periods; to work independently and within a team.
WHAT'S WAITING FOR YOU?
The hourly pay for this position is $18.00; In addition, we offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to support your well-being:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability and life insurance
Access to a free Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
Paid time off (PTO)
A 401(k) plan with an employer match to help you prepare for the future
Free employee discounts on a variety of products and services
Benefits eligibility and waiting periods may apply.
ABOUT TENTAMUS
Labs for Life®. We are a global network of full-service accredited analytical laboratories providing crucial quality and safety analysis for clients locally, nationally, and beyond using proven methods of chemistry and microbiology. Many of the products you use and consume daily rely on Tentamus labs. With 20 labs in the Americas and growing (100 globally), we celebrate having talented diverse scientific and service-oriented professionals.